The Pittsburgh Steelers run defense is allowing 101 yards per game, two years removed from allowing only 62.8 yards per game. Part of the problem could be the loss of players such as defensive tackle Aaron Smith and linebacker James Farrior.
In an interview with Ed Bouchette of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, linebacker Larry Foote said that the defense was not happy about giving up 113 yards to Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden:
"That's embarrassing when you give up 100 yards around here. Even though we know [McFadden] did it on one run, basically, but that's not an excuse. You get 100, you get 100."
McFadden had one big run for 64 yards, but the Steelers also allowed Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice to rush for 107 yards in the regular season opener. On Sunday, they have to face Philadelphia Eagles running back LeShawn McCoy who is third in the league in rushing this season.